truth

George Takei has perfect response to right-wing “grooming” hysteria

George Takei
George Takei (Photo: Shutterstock)

With debates around school textbooks and the passing of the “Don’t Say Gay” bill in Florida, some on the far right are increasingly accusing members of the LGBTQ community of wanting to “groom” children.

This disgusting, dog-whistle of a claim conflates LGBTQ rights with pedophilia.

Using the term “grooming” to discuss LGBTQ issues in the school curriculum also detracts from the serious issue of pedophiles who actually do target and groom kids.

Actor George Takei, who turned 85 last week, tweeted the perfect response over the weekend. He reminded people about how gay kids are usually brought up in a wholly heterosexual environment and it does nothing to change their sexuality.

“They ‘groomed’ me to be heterosexual, you know. It didn’t change a thing. Still gay as a rainbow sprinkle-covered cupcake,” he said.

Takei’s tweet has had over 200,000 likes and thousands of comments.

Related: George Takei takes down Joe Manchin with one tweet

Takei followed it up with a second tweet saying, “The only things ‘gay grooming’ will ever do to a straight child will be better hygiene and more desirability from the other sex.”

Last week, Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D) made headlines after a Republican colleague sent an email to supporters accusing McMorrow of “grooming” children. A furious McMorrow responded with a fiery speech in the Senate, blasting Senator Lana Theis (R) over her choice of language.

On Saturday, McMorrow revealed she received a call from President Joe Biden about her speech: “​​I’m humbled by @potus reaching out to discuss my speech, why we do this, and what it means for the soul of the nation. We can, and we will. #HateWontWin” McMorrow said.

Related: George Takei shares one of his “biggest regrets”

Many of those responding to Takei’s tweet agreed with the actor. Here are a few of the comments.